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Residents press supervisors on Bitcoin mines and zoning; board agrees to a work session
Summary
Multiple residents raised alarms about cryptocurrency data centers, wells, and the absence of countywide zoning; supervisors and staff agreed to schedule a work session to explore possible ordinances, comp‑plan updates, and an infrastructure impact approach.
During the public input period at the April 7 Des Moines County Board meeting, numerous residents urged the board to address land‑use concerns raised by cryptocurrency mining operations, wind‑project conflicts and the county’s lack of a countywide zoning regime.
Reporter Tracy Lamb and residents asked about a $4.2 million general‑obligation loan and county packet transparency; the discussion broadened when Richard J. Tigger read a written statement alleging improper arrangements tied to AES (A Energy Solutions/ AES Corporation) and property at 620 Main Street. Board members denied the allegations on the record and said there is no county agreement of the type alleged.
Residents including Linda Schneider asked whether the county has or plans to use automated license‑plate readers; staff said the county does not own such readers but has access to partner systems, is monitoring state legislation and emphasized any use would require strict, written policy and oversight. Linda also raised water‑use concerns for data‑mining operations: health and planning staff said there is no well on the Bitcoin site in question and that a well permit would trigger Iowa DNR review if usage exceeded statutory thresholds.
Several residents called for a work session and for the board to consider options ranging from a targeted infrastructure‑impact ordinance (to address water, power, and road impacts) to a full comprehensive plan update and zoning. Supervisors and planning staff discussed options, noting a comprehensive plan rewrite and countywide zoning can take many months and significant public process. "It's something we could have the work session on if the board wants to get into it now," one supervisor said, adding that the work would require a deeper dive by staff and the board.
Board response and next steps: The board agreed to schedule a work session in the coming weeks to explore policy options (infrastructure impact rules, comp‑plan updates or zoning alternatives) and to brief residents on potential approaches and timelines.
Quotes from the meeting capture the divide: "We don't have zoning," a resident said. Planning staff explained the regulatory pathways and cautioned that broad measures could be legally sensitive if they effectively function as zoning without required procedures.
Provenance: Extensive public comment and a staff/board exchange recorded April 7, 2026.
